Is It Just Me?

Jo's flying solo this week for a chat with the star of Crazy Rich Asians, Gemma Chan. They talk about when scientists will finally fix it so nobody needs to waste time going to the loo, the impossibility of packing a toiletries bag for the airport, and feeling anxious when walking into events on their own. This episode was edited by Kat Brown and recorded on 4 September. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @gemma_chan and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrownwrites | @gemma_chan   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jo has returned from the Maldives refreshed and ready to shoot the breeze with Saturday night’s very own Laura Jackson They talk about how to get the optimum amount of sleep each night (and how much that even is?!), there’s also room for chat about the etiquette keeping your phone on silent and finding the perfect skincare routine. This episode is brought to you by Clarins. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @IAmLauraJackson and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @IAmLauraJackson   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With Jo on holiday, James takes the opportunity for a cosy chat with a former colleague: BRIDES magazine editor Jade Beer, whose debut novel The Almost Wife is out now.   James and Jade talk about making work/life/family balance work when you live between London and the Cotswolds, the realities of magazine editorship vs the glossy image, and how to write a novel on your train journey (and resist the temptation just to watch Netflix instead).   And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just James who breathes a sigh of relief when he gets an invitation to a child-free wedding? Is it just Jade who gets incredibly hangry? And is it just James who hates a limp massage?   This week's episode was recorded in the BRIDES offices on August 20 by James Williams. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @JadeBRIDES and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @jadebeerbrides   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The broadcaster and journalist and, as Jo calls her, “busiest b***h at the BBC”, Tina Daheley, surfaces after 10 years of presenting breakfast news for BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, and other channels. She takes a breather in the podcupboard with Jo and James to compare notes on covering this year’s Royal Wedding, not missing a single breakfast show (despite some very close shaves after team nights out), and moonlighting on the News at Ten and encountering Huw Edwards. And a podcupboard crush is revealed on the very same charming Welsh newsreader!   And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just Tina who’s addicted to the snooze button? Is it just James who’s not great at forward planning? And is it just Jo who’s not a “joiner-inner”?   This week's episode was recorded on July 31 by James Williams. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @TinaDaheley and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @TinaDaheley   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The British-Malaysian-Austrian chef Rachel Khoo came to fame in the UK through her brilliant 2012 TV series The Little Paris Kitchen, but by then she had already published two cookbooks in France, where she had been living since deciding to up sticks from London and retrain as a patisserie chef.   Her sixth cookbook, The Little Swedish Kitchen, is inspired by her new home country, which she moved to in 2016 with her Swedish husband – they welcomed a son last year. Rachel joins Jo and James to talk about life in Sweden; picking up languages like most people pick up holiday photos; her IIJM-approved chocolate mousse recipe; art student haircuts, and being mistaken for Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones.   And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just Jo who would outlaw bananas? Is it just James who gets told “You look really familiar!”? And is it just Rachel who feels as though she doesn’t have a home city?   This week's episode was recorded on July 23. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @rkhooks and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @rachelkhooks   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matt Cain’s gorgeous novel The Madonna of Bolton was turned down more than 30 times by publishers for being “too gay”. A coming of age story loosely based on Matt’s own experiences of being a gay Madonna fan growing up in northern England in the Eighties, it broke records at the crowdfunding publishing house Unbound. The book is now being turned into a film; there’s the option for a stage musical, and, to top it all off, Madonna has given it her blessing. BLIMEY!   Matt joins Jo and James to talk about his determination and the extraordinary path his book has taken; the snobbery of the “guilty pleasure” concept; and why Madonna is such an inspiring icon.   And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it James who’s not a superfan? Is it just Matt who loathes the sound of flip flops? And is it just Jo who’s a fairweather sports follower?   This week's episode was recorded on July 16. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. The Madonna of Bolton is available to buy now.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @mattcainwriter and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @mattcainwriter   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

IIJM gets rickrolled! No, do not adjust your podcast sets, the legendary Rick Astley joins Jo and James this week for brunch, and to talk about his new album, Beautiful Life.   And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just Rick who wears the same colours every day? (Black, before you ask). Is it just Jo who’s a sucker for anyone who can speak a second language? And is it just James who is stuck in a food rut?   This week's episode was recorded on July 9. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @rickastley and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @officialrickastley   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The broadcaster, 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion, and as of January, new dad, Ore Oduba, joins Jo and James in the podcupboard for a breather from this lovely hot weather.   Currently hosting the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, Ore spills all the beans on his dance office, the WhatsApp chat, and the love of a good “shant” (that’s shirt-pant with poppers), as well as his obsession with paw paw lip balms, and life as a new parent. And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just James who never washes his jeans? Is it just Jo who has to project manage everything? And is it just Ore who loves helping other people spend their money? Plus, we enjoy your listeners IIJMs.   This week's episode was recorded on July 9. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @OreOduba and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @oreodubaofficial   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The warm, funny and generally brilliant socialite Tamara Ecclestone joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week to escape the heat by talking about all the things that matter, and that really don’t.   They talk about Tamara’s range of children’s skin and haircare, Fifi & Friends, named after her daughter Sophia; longtime breast feeding and co-sleeping; the encouragement of other mums, and not minding being abused online for something she believes in. Plus, the joys of actually framing photographs rather than letting them languish on your phone, and how to cope with being on a “life conveyor belt”.   This week's episode was recorded on July 2. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @TamEcclestone and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @tamaraecclestoneofficial   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Good grief there are a lot of guests in the podcupboard this week – Jo and James are joined by Will Young and Christopher Sweeney, the co-hosts of the brilliant "LGBTQ+ Woman's Hour" Homo Sapiens podcast, and an incredibly determined bit of air conditioning inside Will’s dressing room at the Piccadilly Theatre.   They discuss Will’s starring role in the new production of Strictly Ballroom, the dangers of roller skates, and how to end up with an incredible successful podcast when you don’t listen to them.   And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Will who doesn’t talk to his neighbours? Is it just James who’s reached a stage in life where he’s waiting for second marriages to come around? And is it just Chris who never takes photos anymore?   This week's episode was recorded on May 24. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @willyoung | @mrchrissweeney and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @willyoungofficial | @mr_chris_sweeney   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Humans actress Emily Berrington takes a break from appearing in Machinal at London’s Almeida Theatre to join Jo and James for some podcupboard shenanigans, and to advise on how best to unwind from an intense show (hint: watch a lot of Love Island).   They discuss Emily’s role in Sophie Treadwell’s play – the true story of a woman who revolts after being forced into marriage to a man she does not love – what the future holds for Humans, and James makes his pitch for the perfect night out at the theatre.   And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just James who doesn’t get offended by public displays of affection? Is it just Jo who has constant inner dialogue? And is it just Emily who thinks she’ll never truly grow up?   This week's episode was recorded on June 18. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @berringtonemily and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @emily_berrington_   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The singer Paloma Faith joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week, armed with a Full English (NB: not a code, the actual breakfast), and some incredibly anecdotes.   They discuss Paloma's fourth album, The Architect, and how close she is to breaking a musical record; what seven years of therapy has taught her about relationships; and the “classic mum”texts she gets from her mum Pam. Plus an anecdote involving The Bodyguard and Anusol that is...gloriously unexpected?   And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Paloma who can’t keep a plant alive? Is it just James who doesn’t believe in slow-burn relationships – it’s immediate chemistry or die? And is it just Jo who gives herself pep talks?   This week's episode wasrecorded on May 30. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversationusing #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @palomafaith and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @palomafaith   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The utterly glorious broadcaster, writer and all-round icon Lorraine Kelly joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week (how is she 60 next year? How!).   They discuss Lorraine’s incredible career in TV, and how she’s survived all those early mornings; her beloved border terrier Angus (James is keen on getting an Angus too); and how to maintain a sunny disposition in the era of selfie autographs.   And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Lorraine who still loves a paper diary rather than relying on her phone? Is it just James who has a gigantic pile of clothes that, realistically, are never going to be taken to the dry cleaners? And is it just Jo who can’t think up an Instagrammable personal mantra?   This week's episode was recorded on May 24. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @reallorraine and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @lorrainekellysmith   And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jo and James are joined this week by the actress Ophelia Lovibond – you’ll know her from Guardians of the Galaxy, W1A and Elementary, as well as the play Nightfall, which has just finished its run at London’s Bridge Theatre.   The team discuss Ophelia’s amazing name (and how posh she actually is not), how she got her break, Skype auditions, and the truth about how casting works. And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Ophelia who still rings her parents to ask them the most basic of things? Is it just Jo who’s comfortable with silence? (Not that you’d know it.) And is it just James who has zero poker face and wears all his emotions on his sleeve?   This week's episode was recorded on May 21. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.   Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | (Ophelia is not on Twitter, FYI) and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @opheliabits   And thank you for listening!We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Professional lols arrive in the podcupboard this week courtesy of the comedian Tiff Stevenson, star of Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, and Gameface, who joins Jo and James fresh from touring her brilliant new show, Bombshell. The team discuss a reader IIJM about an antisocial partner using the snooze function when he’s getting up considerably earlier than her; Jo asks if it’s just her who finds talking about money very awkward, and property porn: is it just Tiff who prefers looking at really nice houses to actual pornography? This week's episode was recorded on May 14. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Tiff’s show Bombshell is at London’s Soho Theatre until May 26, and you can find more dates on her website, tiffstevenson.co.uk. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @tiffstevenson and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @tiffstevensoncomic And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.